Spain limits trains on Madrid–Seville line after fatal collision

Spanish rail services between Madrid and Seville have been reduced after a collision that killed 69 people, and will remain limited until the line’s safety system has been reviewed and the delayed rollout of a European train-protection system is completed, Transport Minister Óscar Puente says.

Puente has announced additional measures, including a 40km/h speed limit when a driver must watch for obstacles after a system failure. He also plans to hire more staff and improve conditions in rail control centres. He has ruled out resigning.

The collision happened on Wednesday after trains were stopped by a signalling problem. One train was authorised to continue while another remained stopped further along the line; they collided. Spain was also hit by a fatal accident on the same route in January, in which 46 people died.